DWP Holiday Warning: What Benefit Claimants Need to Know Before Travelling Abroad
If you’re claiming benefits and planning to travel abroad, it’s important to let the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) know before you leave. This helps make sure you stay eligible for your payments. Different benefits, like Universal Credit and Jobseeker’s Allowance, have their own rules about travelling, so it’s important to understand them. Not following these rules could lead to overpayments or legal trouble.
The DWP has issued a warning for holidaymakers receiving benefits. While going on holiday is exciting, it’s crucial to know how your trip might affect your benefits. The DWP’s new guidance will help you stay within the rules and avoid any issues while you’re away.
DWP Issues Holiday Warning
If you’re claiming benefits and planning to travel abroad, it’s important to plan carefully and keep the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) informed. By knowing the rules and doing your part, you can enjoy your holiday without risking your benefits. Always tell the DWP about your travel plans and make sure you still meet all the conditions for your benefits while you’re away.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification | You must tell the DWP before you travel abroad. |
| Universal Credit | You can get Universal Credit abroad for up to one month if certain rules are met. |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance | You may claim this abroad for up to three months if you meet specific conditions. |
| Medical Treatment Abroad | Benefits may continue for up to six months if you are travelling for approved medical treatment. |
| Consequences of Not Informing | Your benefits could be stopped, and you may face legal action if you don’t report changes. |
How Travel Affects Your Benefits
If you’re on benefits, it’s important to know that going abroad can affect your payments. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) expects you to report any changes, including short trips outside the UK. This helps make sure you get the right amount of benefits and stay within the rules of your claim.
Universal Credit and Travelling Abroad
If you get Universal Credit, you can still receive your payments for up to one month while you’re abroad, as long as you’re still eligible for Universal Credit during your trip and you tell your work coach about your travel plans before you leave. Remember, you still need to meet any work-related responsibilities from your claimant commitment, even when you’re away. This might include looking for work or joining online meetings.
Travelling for Medical Reasons
If you or someone you care for needs to go abroad for medical treatment or recovery, you can continue receiving Universal Credit for up to six months. You’ll need proof from a doctor and must inform your work coach about the medical trip.
Moving Abroad Permanently
If you move abroad permanently, you won’t be able to get Universal Credit. You also can’t apply for Universal Credit if you’re already living outside the UK.
Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) and Travelling Abroad
If you’re receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance, you may be able to keep getting your payments for up to three months while looking for work in a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland. To qualify for this, you must meet several conditions. First, you need to be entitled to JSA on the day you leave the UK. You should also register as a job seeker at least four weeks before your departure and continue actively looking for work in the UK until you leave.
Once you arrive in the EEA country or Switzerland, you’ll need to register with the local job centre (the equivalent of a Jobcentre in the UK) and follow their job-seeking rules to keep receiving your payments.If you’re planning to travel outside the EEA, your eligibility for JSA will depend on any agreements between the UK and the country you’re visiting. It’s a good idea to contact the International Pension Centre before you travel to get the right information and make sure you meet all the requirements.
Other Benefits: PIP, DLA, and Attendance Allowance
Other Benefits: PIP, DLA, and Attendance Allowance
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
If you get PIP or DLA, you can still receive your payments for up to 13 weeks if you’re going abroad for a short time. If you’re travelling for medical treatment, you might be able to get payments for up to 26 weeks. Make sure you tell the DWP about your trip to avoid any problems with your benefits.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance works in the same way as PIP and DLA. You can get it for up to 13 weeks if you’re away temporarily, and up to 26 weeks if you’re going abroad for medical reasons. It’s important to inform the DWP before you travel to make sure your payments continue.
Your Responsibilities When Travelling Abroad
No matter which benefit you’re receiving, you must:
- Tell the DWP: Let them know your travel dates, where you’re going, and why you’re travelling.
- Stay Eligible: Make sure you still meet all the rules for your benefit while you’re away.
- Follow Your Commitments: Keep up with any work-related or other requirements listed in your claimant commitment.
If you don’t report changes or meet the benefit conditions, you could be overpaid and have to pay the money back. In some cases, this might even lead to legal action.
Steps to Take Before You Travel – DWP Holiday Warning
- Contact the Right Office: Get in touch with your local Jobcentre Plus or the office that manages your benefit to discuss your travel plans. They can explain how your trip might affect your payments and what you need to do to stay eligible.
- Get the Right Documents: If you’re going abroad for medical treatment, make sure you have proper proof from your doctor or medical professional. This will help avoid any issues with your benefit payments while you’re away.
- Know Your Responsibilities: Check if there are any ongoing tasks you must complete while abroad, like attending online meetings or continuing your job search. Understanding these commitments will help you stay within the benefit rules.
- Keep a Record: Always keep copies of any letters, emails, or messages you send to the DWP about your travel. This can be useful if there are any problems with your payments later on.